U.S. Retail Sales Rose 1.0% In February
(For February 2011)
U.S. retail sales were reported at 1.0% in February, right at consensus. January reading was at +0.7% (revised from +0.3%). On year level retail sales are up 8.4%.
Most notable gainers: motor vehicle & parts dealers +2.3%, miscellaneous store retailers +2.0% m-o-m, gasoline stations +1.5%; Most notable losers: health & personal care stores -0.3%; non-store retailers -0.3%.
Autos taken out, the figure was an increase of 0.7% vs. consensus of also 0.7%. Prior reading was revised to +0.6% (up 0.3%). On year level retail sales less autos are up 5.7%.
Autos and gas station taken out, the retail sales rose 0.6%. Prior reading was at +0.5% (revised up 0.3%). On year level retail sales less autos and gas stations are up 4.9%.
